Governor Signs Bills Expanding Protections And Rights For All Oregonians

In a celebration of success after decades of hard work to extend equality to gay and lesbian Oregonians, today Governor Ted Kulongoski signed into law legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and providing legal recognition of domestic partnerships between same-sex couples. “I started this legislative session declaring that this is the session of opportunity, where we will succeed in affording all Oregonians the same rights and protections under the law – and where we will formally recognize that diversity and equality of opportunity makes us all stronger, not weaker,” Governor Kulongoski said. “And today we’re upholding that promise and the values and principles of Oregon – that we are all created equal and that Oregon is a land of equal opportunity for all of our citizens.” Joined by former Governor Barbara Roberts, House Speaker Jeff Merkley, Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown and community leaders, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007. Both bills were introduced in the Legislature based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Taskforce on Equality, which submitted its findings in December 2006.  Read more at governor.oregon.gov.